By Goodluck Ikiebe.
The Nigerian Army (NA) has described reports of alleged delay in payment of personnel of the Nigerian Army in January as misleading and inciting.
A statement by Army Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, says the report is not only misleading, but a grandiose attempt to incite personnel against established precept of discipline in the NA.
“For avoidance of doubt, since the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya assumed command, he has prioritized the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families, including ensuring prompt payment of salaries, allowances and all statutory entitlements to personnel.
Therefore, the allegation suggesting delay and non implementation of new salary increase is a reckless falsehood in all its intent and purposes”, it noted.
Brig. Gen. Nwachukwu said that it must be emphasised, that over the years, the NA has built a reputation and unbroken record of prompt payment of salaries and allowances. Officers and soldiers get their monthly salaries and allowances as at when due.
“Additionally, if there is any envisaged delay, troops are usually communicated through the internal communication mechanism”, he clarified.
According to the statement, it is therefore instructive to state that for the month of January, all salaries and allowances have been paid. The attempt to stir up discontent and whip up sentiment with regards to the unsubstantiated and baseless report that Generals feed fat is an outrageous frivolity. It is an attempt to incite personnel against the institution and cause disaffection in the ranks and should therefore be outrightly discountenanced.
The NA called on all credible media to distance themselves from the apparent unprofessional and disgraceful yellow journalism practiced by some media channels and purveyors of fake of news.
“Our troops are in high spirit and would not be distracted by any mischievous submission by agent provocateurs”, the statement concluded.
